A Friend and A Mentor
Not many knew this about the Eldar, but they were deeply empathetic beings. Their evolution through the tens of millions of years, either through societal or immaterium related advances, ensured that their species were aware of each other's feelings and emotions. That wasn't to say that they wore their hearts on their sleeves, to use a human saying, but they were generally quite capable of identifying when another was greatly distressed.
The tragedy was that the Eldar people were also a race that enjoyed their privacy and displayed considerable control over their emotional outbursts. Especially after the Fall. To openly display emotions outside of family, friends, and loved ones were considered "rude" and "uncomfortable" to others not part of that individual's inner circle. However, such sentiments had changed as the number of Eldar continued to dwindle. People had no families, no one else to turn to now.
For some, they also found themselves as outsiders. Those that became Corsairs or even pirates working under the Drukhari could find themselves ostracized by family and friends. The price for escaping the confines of the Craftworld or rustic life of an Exodite. Freedom, especially during these uncertain times, came with a heavy price. Still, the Eldar made all attempts to bring their downtrodden and discouraged members back into the fold. Ultimately, the Eldar were still a family. A dysfunctional one, but united by many common desires and ambitions.
Though, sometimes, someone outside will look in for the same reasons...
---
Morianne found the infamous Black Library to be a rather confusing place, but she assumed that was the point. Her mentors, Landesh and Yral Piaf, seemed to enjoy watching her struggle to make sense of the warp geometry and architecture. The Library was alive in some sense. That much was certain to the Black Angel, and it infuriated her to no end.
"Past the third alcove and...?" She muttered to herself as she tried to make sense of the direction. Morianne learned that she had a rather terrible sense of direction, especially when it came to places like the Library. "Stupid Harlequins and their stupid riddles." Whenever she asked one for anything, the Guardians of the Black Library almost seemed to joke and laugh at her expense. They didn't like the untrained or uninitiated moving about such hallowed halls.
It showed what they all thought of the young Farseer of Ulthwé. 'They still see me as some Exodite bumpkin...' Perhaps that was true, but it didn't help her feel welcomed in this place. Her mentor hadn't exactly been friendly to her, and Yral Piaf acted more like a comedic timing for whenever she screwed up.
She sighed, "I'm either a joke or a burden to someone else."
Her years of training had been hard, and for the life of her, Morianne couldn't help but think she was a terrible Farseer. However, Landesh made it clear that if she didn't control her awakened abilities, she would become a danger to those around her. "...and if I'm not either of those two, then I'm just a walking weapon."
The Black Angel tried not to focus on such dark subjects, opting to find her way towards her destination. But she was still having no real luck. 'If I have to ask for directions again, I think I will actually consider just mind-probing someone...'
As Morianne considered her options, she then felt something approaching her. It was both a feeling of a psychic entity and also a stalking creature in the forest. Morianne felt only annoyance because it was likely another one of Yral Piaf's attempts to "attack" her while her guard was down.
"Yral Piaf, I swear by the gods that I will-"
Rather than hearing the wheezing laughter of the Death Jester, she heard only an animalistic response. "Mrrow." That wasn't what she was expecting, especially from the deep tone of the animal.
Morianne turned to see her stalker was a rather large feline, probably about the size of a Hartaure Night-Lion, staring at her expectantly and with intelligence. It wasn't a Grynix; that much was certain. Perhaps in any other instance, Morianne would've been quite keen to interact with the creature directly. She loved animals, considering they were her only friends aside from her parents growing up. Felines, canines, amphibians, and so on, the Black Angel liked being around them more than people.
But she had an assignment to complete, and Landesh told her not to waste time on such frivolous things. However, the creature was so beautiful, and it had been ages since she interacted with another living thing that either berated or tested her for one thing or another.
'The galaxy won't end if I take ten minutes to enjoy myself...not like I was making any progress getting out of here.'
So with a small smile, Morianne kneeled and tried to gain the creature's attention, "Hello there; I don't recall seeing you around here before. I certainly would enjoy coming here more often if I knew there was an official Black Library animal guardian, especially one as regal as you." Morianne smiled as the creature seemed to enjoy the praise from the Farseer. It clearly understood compliments.
She sighed again before giving a small smile towards the creature, "I don't suppose you happen to know your way around here?"
It stared at her for a few seconds before giving a small roar and standing; it started to walk in a different direction and then roar at her again. The creature wanted Morianne to follow it.
Now, this just amused her to no end, "Hmm, I suppose I can't get any more lost if I follow you." She stood up and then briskly walked over to the creature. "Then again, I've found that most creatures of nature tend to have a better sense of direction. Granted, you are clearly different. You have the aura of a monarch surrounding you. Now, what title do you address yourself under, hmm?" The girlish smile on Morianne's lips betrayed her intentions.
Once again, the creature gave a small roar, "Mrrah!"
"Oh, king of the Black Library?" She laughed now, "Someone thinks highly of themselves."
"Mrrow!" It seemed to roar in disapproval but without any ferocity or malice.
"Not a king, but only a lord? My, how gracious of you." She kept joking even though the creature seemed to understand her japes and teasing. It obviously didn't do much to stop them. "I've learned enough about felines that when they claim something as their own, it might as well be their own little empire."
The creature didn't roar to deny such an assumption. Morianne laughed again, unaware that this was perhaps the first time in ages she had enjoyed herself. She would have to thank this creature's owner when she had the chance.
---
"Where is that blasted furball...?" Magnus the Red, the Master of Prospero, and the Crimson King, and the second greatest psyker in the galaxy waited anxiously for his pet psycat to return from wherever it wandered off too. Bastet wasn't prone to just randomly leaving his side, even if the Black Library was a fairly familiar place now. That didn't mean it was totally safe. Eldrad warned him that dangerous creatures were constantly stalking its halls, and even those blasted Dark Eldar could sometimes be found roaming about.
It was an unnecessary worry on the already exhausted psyker. These last few months had been...trying, to say the least. Even after talking with his father, Amon, Magnus decided that he needed some otherworldly sage advice from the other creature. He considered "wise" enough to see the bigger picture of things.
The Perfidious Eldar were, as always, a constant puzzle for Magnus to solve. Eldrad, in particular, confused the Psyker King. It was like speaking with the Emperor and Malcador all in one. Yet, he still maintained that befuddling aura of disinterest even though he heard and considered every word uttered by Magnus.
Eldrad did not mislead or give any half-truths, only a vague answer that Magnus must figure out himself. Magnus hated that about Eldrad because his advice was actually helpful, but it was wrapped in some layers. He understood why he was doing it, but it didn't make it any less patronizing to the Crimson King.
And right now, Magnus didn't want to be patronized. He didn't want any of the Eldar telling him riddles or hiding answers from him that are
needed right now, less he is driven "mad" by the confusion and grief he felt. Magnus didn't know where he stood with Eldrad exactly, but if great Seer had any respect towards their alliance, he could at least provide him one clear answer to a certain question that had been plaguing his mind since that dreadful meeting with Kesar.
He deserved that much.
As Magnus stewed and fumed over the future meeting with Eldrad, he heard something strange coming from the direction that Bastet took off from and was almost surprised to realize that it was laughter. It was not that unnerving and haughty
sound that Cegorach's minions made, but honest, joyful laughter.
'Impossible. Who could find any joy in such a dreary place?' The Black Library wasn't like the halls of Prospero, where one could animated debates and laughter from the lounges areas. Here it was dead silent, like walking inside a church. The Laughing God and his minions were the exceptions to that thought, but they also found amusement in horror and tragedy. They weren't exactly the best judges of comedy, at least from what Magnus observed. Maybe he was also jaded to the point that hearing anyone else expressing any joy reminded him of his utter lack of said emotion.
'Gods, I'm turning in Mortarion.' Eldrad warned him to never give in to despair, claiming that the forces working against humanity and Eldar used such emotions to their advantage...but how could he ignore these thoughts and feelings? He couldn't just turn them off. More importantly, he didn't want to. They were driving him towards something, but Magnus wanted to make sure it was in the right direction and one that his brothers could see as well.
Deciding to take his mind off such things, he decided to investigate the laughter. Maybe he'd see another wonder of the galaxy, an Eldar that didn't look or sound like they were constantly in deep meditation or with sneering contempt on their faces.
He was surprised when it was actually as he expected, even more so when he saw that Bastet trailed next to the laughter's origin. Magnus had seen and learned enough to learn about Eldar physiology, aging, and soul maturity to identify that the female walking next to Bastet was young. It is probably close to 18 or 19 in human years, but considering the concept of age and time was so different from the Aeldari, that descriptor existed only for the Primarchs benefit.
For starters, she had ghostly pale skin and the blackest hair and wearing a white dress. She looked like a character from one of Fulgrims treasured paintings, kneeling next to Bastet and giving the psycat quite a bit of attention.
But what caught Magnus's attention was how the warp seemed to react around this particular Eldar. He rarely had seen passive immaterium manipulation in such a form. Light and shadows danced around her, flickering like insects around a light source, and yet it was almost like her soul was a star as well, but somehow dim?
'How curious...' Eldrad hadn't made any mention of having such a peculiar creature in his midst.
Unaware of the observation, the young woman focused on the purring psycat. "Your coat is so soft. Someone takes good care of it." The Eldar followed up by
hugging and burying her face in Bastet mane. Magnus blinked at the rather childish action. Once again, he was surprised to find someone this innocent and pure walking among the blackest of archives. Then again, the shadows and darkness seemed to drift around her almost...lovingly?
"What are you?" Magnus muttered loud enough that the woman seemed to freeze, and Bastet turned her attention back towards her master. Rather than the expected dignified and controlled response, the Eldar seemed flustered as she stood up in surprise. Her eyes widen, and Magnus felt a wave of surprise and shock as she bore witness to him, as if she hadn't sensed him before.
"I could ask the same of you, sir." Her tone was incredulous as she stared at the Primarch. Magnus blinked again; surely she knew who or what he was; the Eldar all knew of the Primarchs, and those within the Black Library knew of the Crimson King.
"Surely you jest with such feigned ignorance."
She looked a tad annoyed now, "Do I look like one of the Harliqueins?" As if trying to fix the situation from getting caught, she cleared her throat and fixed her dress. "As for what I am, I am Eldar. But what are you then?"
"I am one of the Emperor's Primarchs," Magnus answered bluntly.
"Oh."
There was an awkward silence as Magnus processed that response. There was no sneering dismissal or freighted awe. If anything, it sounded like she didn't seem to grasp what he just said. That didn't make sense, though. The Eldar had heard of the Emperors favored generals and weapons.
"Yes, I am Magnus the Red." He put a bit of energy into this display of power, allowing his eyes and skin to glow a crimson light, "Primarch of the Thousand Sons and Master of Prospero." The Primarch didn't try to sound smug or haughty, but right now, he wanted to remind himself of the power and influence he still commanded, even with the most recent demerits of standing among his brothers.
She had a pleasant but confused look on her face. Magnus felt annoyed now. Hells, he might as well have told her that he was made of cheese and could summon chicken wings on his back; he'd have gotten the same response.
"Surely you've heard of me?"
To his dismay, she shook her head, "I haven't, but I've heard of the Primarchs."
"But not me?"
In a very human gesture, she tapped her chin as she concentrated on something, "Well, my master mentioned something about an annoying giant; I think he mentioned a Primarch that had been bothering Master Ulthran for the past few periods." Magnus felt a brief twitch in his warp eye. That was all she heard of him?!
He couldn't believe it. Magnus wasn't so vain as to expect everyone in the galaxy to know his name, but the Black Library inhabitants all knew him now! So that he meet an Eldar wholly ignorant of one of the most powerful individuals in the galaxy was unfathomable. She wasn't even trying to be dismissive or cruel or joking.
He almost felt deflated at such innocent ignorance. 'This isn't doing my ego any favors right now...'
Then she spoke up, "Your power and control, though, it's amazing!" Now there was some awe as if she took the time to examine him. "Does this Prospero train other Primarchs like yourself? Your control is beyond even that of Master Landesh."
Magnus was surprised at how good he felt at hearing such praise and a comparison. This woman, who had no idea of who he was or represented, could still tell at a glance that his control and power over the warp was immense. "Oh, uh, no. I was unique to Prospero."
"Oh, still, I'm quite impressed. It sounds like a great place of learning among humans." Was that...eagerness in her voice? None of the Eldar he had talked to had expressed any interest in waiting to hear about his homeworld.
Bastet decided to spare Magnus from another further embarrassment by approaching and rubbing up against his leg. That, however, got the woman's attention, "Is he your companion?"
"She, and yes." Magnus gently corrected.
"Oh!" Now her face got red again, "I'm so sorry, I assumed you were a male." She sent an apologetic glance toward Bastet, "I guess your title is Queen of the Black Library then."
"Mrrow!"
"What?" Magnus was starting to think that the Harlequins were playing a prank on him again. He idly reached out to sense for any traps or if Cegorach was up to something.
She smiled at Magnus again, "Nothing, just a little joke between new friends." He blinked again at hearing this woman describe Bastet as a new friend, although the creature gave a light roar, and Magnus felt a bit of admonishment directed towards the Eldar.
The Eldar seemed to feel that as well, huffing and sighing before speaking, "Fine, I'll offer some tribute, and then we'll officially be friends." The psycat gave another roar, this time of approval, as the Eldar pulled out what looked to be a rather exotic fruit from her dress and then tossing it towards the psycat, who promptly caught it using some telekinesis before snagging the hovering food with its mouth.
"There we go."
"I...what did I just stumble into now?" Magnus muttered to himself as he tried to collect himself in the face of this development. "Okay, let me try a different approach...
who are you?"
"My name is Morianne Lyfae of Craftworld Ulthwé." She curtsied with her dress towards the Primarch. Magnus refused to believe that this Morianne was from the same place as Eldrad. She had neither the control nor discipline nor arrogance or pride of those Eldar. It would be like hearing a happy Death Guard or a grump Salamander; the concept just didn't fit with the background.
She was smiling and laughing and acting human; Magnus couldn't help but think that this was some trick. Especially with that strange power associated with her soul.
"What's her name?" She changed the subject again, almost like a child failing to pay attention, but he suspected that she was intentionally trying to switch his focus.
He looked down at the purring psycat, "Bastet."
"Well, Magnus the Red. It was nice meeting you and Bastet." The genuine smile made him think that he did see a wonder of the galaxy now. "I needed a slight distraction, and Bastet helped from getting lost again..."
"Getting lost?" What sort of Eldar gets lost in their own domain?
"I...Uhm, I have problems moving about the Black Library. I'm not familiar with it." A bashful Eldar as well? Today was a day of firsts. Maybe he'd see a chaste daemonette or a Space Wolf that actually bathed and didn't have some wolf anarchism attached to his name.
"Regardless," She interrupted his thoughts, "I should be able to find my way back to my mentor." Her tone changed. Gone was the playful demeanor, now in its place was almost wistfulness.
Perhaps it was for the best. Magnus needed to focus on the more important things. He had almost forgotten completely over what was troubling him and...
"Wait!" Magnus suddenly called out and stopped himself as he realized how awkward this might have looked.
Morianne stopped and looked surprised at the outburst; even Bastet was confused. "Yes?"
"Well, err..." He almost fumbled his next line, "How about I offer a trade of information." Magnus approached and towered over the smaller female. "I know how to move about these halls, and I can teach you how to do it yourself."
"Really? That would be a great help." Now she gave him a sidelong glance, "But what do you want in return...?"
He crossed his arms, "I want to know what your master has said
exactly about me to Eldrad. For all I know, he's spreading lies about me."
Magnus expected Morianne to defend her master, but instead, she nodded, "Oh, he's most certainly doing that and telling Eldrad not to trust you at all."
"Urk?!" He almost choked at hearing that, "Truly?!"
Then she started to laugh, "No! Of course not. I just wanted to see your reaction. But I'll agree to your terms on the condition that I get to ask you some questions as well. Just simple ones."
"Fine, I could use the mental stimulus anyway." Magnus could fish for some additional intel on what the other Farseers were telling Eldrad. Besides, he desperately needed a distraction, and he doubted that Morianne had too many questions for him. There was only so much the Eldar could care to hear about the primitive races.
---
Magnus had never met an Eldar so ignorant of things, yet also so full of curiosity and questions on subjects not related to anything Eldar.
To her credit, Morianne was just as intelligent as her kin but somehow lacked much of the academic knowledge normally available to them. It wasn't that they didn't try, but they focused on other avenues for her teachings. The way Morianne explained it, she was a budding Farseer and supposedly quite the capable one. However, she did not speak in any riddles or offer vague answers like Eldrad.
She truly was a child compared to her peers, and Magnus found it refreshing. For once, a human (albeit a Primarch) was the fountain of galactic knowledge and wisdom to an Eldar. And Morianne had questions.
Many,
many questions...
"So, why are you all red?"
"Why are you a giant?"
"Can you only see out that one eye?"
"Where did you find Bastet?"
"How many psychic tomes have you read?"
"How many
books have you read?"
"What's Prospero like? What about your 'Legion'? What about the Human Emperor?"
Magnus learned something else that day; an Eldar, when curious, did not sate their curiosity until every question was answered. He almost had to recall certain lore pieces and knowledge at a few points as the questions increased in complexity. The childish questions soon turned into ones asking him about his feelings on the warp, the ideas of Human-Eldar relations, the wars plaguing the galaxy, and subsequently towards the threat of Chaos.
Morianne wasn't unaware or totally ignorant of such things. If anything, they seemed to be a great concern upon her mind. The few times Magnus sensed her emotional spectrum, the Primarch could sense apprehension, fear, concern, and even anger. There was also a feeling of helplessness and frustration. She did not guard her mind around Magnus, which was dangerous. But it also showed that Morianne trusted him.
Another wonder for the century; a trusting, ignorant, smiling Eldar. Such a being shouldn't exist, yet here stood Morianne. Magnus knew that they would be lost in time, shattered, or ground into oblivion upon the harsh realities of the galaxy. It was almost tragic, but the Crimson King learned that such things could strike just about anywhere, at any time.
Nothing good lasts in this galaxy.
Still, Magnus put those thoughts aside. He didn't need to be bitter or pessimistic around someone that craved knowledge. Besides, he was enjoying himself. Morianne hung onto every answer and easily responded to any of Magnus's questions. Unfortunately, he wished her answered reassured him more than his own.
---
"They think I'm a threat?" Magnus asked in disbelief, "Do they think me an assassin of some sort?"
Morianne shook her head, "It's not that, Landesh and others think that Master Ulthran would use you for something important, and you'd somehow fail in your task."
The two of them had found an empty nexus point inside one of the Black Libraries section. It amused him to no end that there were lounging areas inside the greatest repository of knowledge. He couldn't begin to imagine an Eldar just sitting down with a cup of tea or recaff while reading a tome of pyromancy as light reading. Then again, Magnus had the same time and time again.
He found himself sitting across from Morianne, the two having spent perhaps an hour or two walking around and talking. Magnus had already explained his tips and tricks for moving about the Library. After that, Morianne took control of the discussion entirely, with the Crimson King only interjecting occasionally with a question.
The topic had finally steered back towards what the other Farseers. had thought of Eldrads alliance with the Primarch. Evidently, it wasn't as well-received as Magnus thought. "I suppose I haven't exactly done much to earn anyone's favor..."
"Not really," Morianne remarked as she played with Bastet. "If anything, they feel as if there shouldn't be any humans inside the Library. Would it help if I said that the Harlequins here enjoy your presence at least?"
"That really doesn't speak positively to me if I am honest." He shouldn't be so discouraged at hearing the other Eldar not wanting his presence in their precious library, but it still stung. 'I suppose I should be used to being outed from any inner circles these days...' Those bitter thoughts were returning.
But then, Morianne's voice gently spoke up, "Are you alright?" Was that genuine concern he heard as well? Magnus looked over and saw the attention on the Eldars face. "Your thoughts turned very...dark for a second."
"Oh, my apologies...I didn't realize you were an empath as well." Magnus put on a happy front. "I suppose I'm just a bit miffed at getting snubbed by your peers."
She shook her head, "I'm not an empath, at least no more than any other Eldar. And you are lying; what I said isn't what caused you to feel this way. Maybe not entirely, anyway."
Magnus tried to wave off her concern, "It's nothing, really. I was just reminded of a rather heated argument I had with one of my brothers. It not of any concern to you."
Morianne looked like she wanted to talk about it, her face displaying an anxiousness to speak. "Really, it's...nothing." Magnus tried to explain things again, even though that was quite the lie. Because what he felt right now wasn't 'nothing'; it was the whole reason he was here in the Black Library today, wasting time with this
child because it was the first time in days he didn't spend wallowing in self-pity or remorse.
And it was so apparent that even Morianne picked up on it. 'Is my mental state that obvious?' Perhaps he needed to spend more time in meditation and re-center himself. It was just so hard to focus these past few weeks.
"What was the argument about?" Morianne asked as she pets Bastet.
Magnus was silent for a moment. He had every right to tell her nothing, even to mind her own business, but Magnus also brought this on himself by allowing her to ask all these questions. The Crimson King acted as a teacher, and now his impromptu student asked for a rather personal answer.
"Well," Magnus began as he tried to recall the core issues he had with Kesar and the others, "I suppose it's like this situation with your Farseers. There was a lack of trust and dialogue between my brother and me. I realized where I stood with him and others within our family, and I suppose...well, I suppose I had issues with his reasonings."
"Oh?" Morianne looked up at the red giant, "Such as?"
"He didn't consult me or ask for my help or even considered reaching out to me for a certain endeavor. I had to go to him after the fact, and even then, I felt like I was some outsider trying to barrage into another conversation. But, you have to understand...in context, I have the knowledge and experience that would greatly benefit my brothers and me, more so than anyone else within our family save perhaps the Emperor or Eldrad!"
The Eldar said nothing as she listened to the Primarch.
"...And to hear them say that I was more than likely a risk to that endeavor's security, they lied to me. More importantly, they continue to hide the truth." He shook his head and tried desperately not to think about this, "When it comes to my family, you never know when you are in, but they will make it abundantly clear when you are out. All these little secrets, everyone holding them to their chest, and yet whenever I do anything, and it comes to light, I feel like the villain."
"I can't say that I know that exact feeling." Morianne's voice almost broke Magnus out of his stupor. He almost had forgotten that he was talking to someone while he unloaded all of that upon the young woman. "But I do know the feeling of being kept out of certain truths, of being kept in the dark. It hurts when it comes from the people you love, especially when you are stuck depending on them for answers. My parents were the only people I ever knew before coming to Ulthwé. They were my friends, my confidants, but more often than not, my keepers. You have that same feeling, your family wants to protect you, but they also want you out of the way."
"Yes," Magnus felt that assessment wasn't too inaccurate, "That is what it feels like sometimes. You just want to hear the truth..."
"And be free." Morianne finished with a sad smile, "But sometimes I felt like it was better that I never knew. I think humans have an old saying...ignorance is bliss?"
Now the Primarch snorted in disdain, "Ignorance is bliss, but you are left with no control. Anyone can learn to accept the truth given enough answers, understanding, and context. Your Great Seer tells me that all the time."
"And he likely also advised you that some answers aren't worth discovering." Morianne argued back, "Not all things need to be put forward without considering the implications, the consequences, or another's feelings on the matter."
"Perhaps if there were lives at stake or the information could cause an insurmountable amount of chaos...but this was just about keeping me out of my brothers' inner circle. That explicit lack of trust hurt more than anything." Magnus couldn't believe how much it hurt. He never considered himself an overtly sentimental or emotional creature like Vulkan or Fulgrim or Kesar. But he held many things and people as sacred and in his heart.
"Yes, I suppose it would, especially by someone you care about." Morianne agreed with a small nod, "Still, I can't help but think that sometimes we lie to people to protect them, rather than out of a lack of trust or caring."
"You've never met some of my brothers or the Emperor." He scoffed and then thought of Eldrad, "For all your Great Seers riddles and conundrums, he at least made his intentions clear to me from the start."
The young woman looked a tad conflicted, "He can be somewhat brutally honest."
"Good." Magnus remarked flatly, "Maybe all of us need to be honest with each other, regardless of our feelings or emotions. What's the point otherwise of working together? What has consideration for such things done to any of us?"
"It stopped us from hurting someone we love, I suppose."
Magnus didn't bother responding. He found Morianne's sentimentality to be a tiring thing. It was born out of a childish ignorance of the realities of this galaxy, that people could and should allow for their emotional connections to feed into the decision-making process, that discovery of uncomfortable truths should be replaced with pleasant ignorances, and that individuals close to you be allowed to lie if it meant keeping you "safe" from emotional distress.
The Primarch was beginning to see why the Emperor was who he was now and why he succeeded. He stopped caring about little things and focused on the bigger picture. Yet that felt like a cold and hollow realization. 'What's the point of forming any attachments then?'
Rather than be discouraged by the silence, Morianne spoke up again, "I'm sorry I couldn't offer you any real advice, Magnus."
He sighed, "It's alright. I shouldn't have even said any of those things to you. I told you, it's not..." He was about to say not important, "It's done; let just say that."
"Of course, I shall pry no more then." Morianne was lying, though, because she clearly had more things to say. Magnus, however, wasn't interested in continuing the conversation. He had said far too much to a possible spy pretending to be an innocent girl. It was clear that he needed to handle these thoughts before saying or doing something he'd regret.
The awkward silence lasted for about a few minutes before Magnus made the mistake of trying to change the subject. "You mentioned your parents...are they-"
"They're dead." Morianne remarked softly, "Died during a daemonic incursion on my Exodite. You are looking at the sole survivor of the world of Hartaure." Magnus didn't need to be telepathy to read the negative emotions rolling off her soul. But his ethereal eye did see the darkness of the area around her start to shift and morph into an unnatural geometry of shapes and designs. However, that soon ends and leaves Morianne to focus on the slightly startled psycat.
Magnus had the decency to look embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I should've picked up on that with the wording you used." So they died in a daemonic incursion; how did she survive then? Morianne didn't exactly have the raw power or anti-corruption abilities of an Eternal Warden. Then again, something strange about her began with, and one that still interested Magnus.
"It's alright," Morianne responded softly.
The silence reigned for an uncomfortable amount of time. It did allow Magnus to reflect upon his own choice of words and phrasing. He felt a small bit of guilt over complaining about his brothers when Morianne had nothing left. It wasn't like Magnus hadn't experienced hearing other individuals speak over such losses, but perhaps it spoke poorly of his character when he realized that he became numb to it at some point.
Maybe he was also tired of humanity and found himself gravitating more towards the Eldar. Morianne certainly had been a nice reprieve from just about everything. Perhaps he was feeling guilt and concern towards a stranger who had taken the time to hear his problems without total judgment or dismissal.
But maybe a human moment was needed now.
"Morianne."
She didn't look up as her fingers ran through Bastets mane, "Hmm?"
"Would you mind telling me more about your family, perhaps even about your home? In exchange, I can tell you a little more about my father and Prospero."
There was a brief pause from the Eldar, and he almost thought he made another mistake until he felt a brief pang of happiness from the Eldar. "...If you are indeed curious, sure. And I would love to hear more about your homeworld."
Magnus smirked while Morianne smiled.
---
Eldrad was rarely put into uncomfortable positions. The Greatest Seer could not be caught unaware, nor could his plans be undone by anyone, save the Gods themselves. He was the master of his fate, and now of his entire race. This was not born out of arrogance, but accomplishments and the weight of
knowing such a thing. Yet, he was not incapable of missing certain events or failing to consider all possible predeterminations.
He was only mildly surprised when one of his spies found the wandering Crimson King. He told Magnus once never to leave the guest sections, but telling the bookish Primarch not to explore the Black Library was like asking a child not to eat sweets when laid out in front of him. So, Eldrad allowed him to move about. Magnus would not cause any trouble or a disturbance.
But the Crimson King running into the Black Angel caused unnecessary complications, unforeseen developments, and new divergent paths upon the Midnight Heaven prophecy. In only a few seconds, Eldrad Ulthran mentally readjusts a dozen plans to reconcile this disorder in his timeline, and soon everything was back in place.
That still didn't fix the awkwardness of the situation. Magnus was not supposed to have met Morianne. The Lord of Prospero, somehow, stumbled into the prophecy. Eldrad wanted to blame Tzeentch, but he knew it was just the strands of fate changing the game's rules as it always has and will when it came to prophesy.
'Not only does God play dice, but the dice are also loaded.' He remembered hearing that saying from humans thousands of years ago. Sometimes the apes have their own little nuggets of galactic wisdom when they weren't killing each other or inviting destruction via their bumbling into things better left undiscovered.
However, such things were pointless wastes of time and creative thought. His mind drifted and thought up the thousands upon thousands of paths and destinations that awaited. From individuals to entire worlds, everyone was part of a great endeavor designed to save this galaxy from eternal damnation, and more importantly, his people.
That, more than anything, guided him towards certain events. He did not desire to rebuild the Empire of Old. It was lost and for a good reason. Instead, he would rekindle something else for his people: Hope.
Even now, they needed it more than ever. Eldrad and his people now live in the mausoleum of history. They were to inherit the legacy of ghosts if they failed, destined to haunt the ruins of the old empire. He heard the whispers that their people have no present, only a past filled with horror and a future they can only dream of.
Eldrad would not let this future come to pass, even if fate deemed it necessary. Out of all the things he fought against, all the prophecies and apocalypses, the Doom of the Eldar would end by his hands.
But everyone had a role to play, and sacrifices would have to be made.
"Lord Ulthran?" One of his warlocks interrupted his meditation, "The Primarch has arrived."
Eldrad nodded once, not looking at his warlock. "Send him in."
"Begging pardon, but you should know before this meeting. As our agents ushered him away, he and the Black Angel seemed to have been having a rather animated discussion before departing on amicable terms." The warlock sounded quiet, "Lord Landesh was reportedly quite irritated upon hearing of this."
"Yes, I understand." Eldrad knew how that particular argument would go, "I will deal with it in time. Send in the Primarch."
That would be another problem to deal with in due time. Landesh and the others openly questioned his decision to bring in the Crimson King into Eldrads plans. They always argued caution when it came to working with humans. Especially after the debacle with now destroyed Cabal. Not that such criticisms would stop him. Still, Eldrad would heed the Seer Councils' words if he moved in a dangerous direction with the psyker.
Eldrad surrounded himself with the best of his craftworld, but their biases remained apparent in their decision making. Magnus, if he were to join, would need the Great Seers' approval and loyalty. That in itself was asking for much, especially if the Imperium discovered the Eldar making hidden compacts with Imperial organizations. Magnus the Red was only
one of Eldrads allies within the Imperium of Man. Not that Magnus needed to know that...
Another minute passed in silent contemplation before Eldrad felt the psychic aura of Magnus increase significantly. The cyclops could be felt in an entire star system, let alone the psychic presence when he entered a room. At the very least, his control allowed for it to not blind psy-sensitive individuals.
Upon entertaining, Eldrad kept his back turned to the warlock and Primarch as they entered his meditative chambers. Eldrad had explained to Magnus that this wasn't done to spite him or act discourteous but rather to offer Eldrad the courtesy to relax his divination channeling. Otherwise, if he looked upon an individual while channeling, he would be swarmed with visions of their future.
It made for an awkward moment sometimes, seeing someone die multiple times in only an instant.
His aide bowed to him, "Magnus the Red." That was all the fanfare anyone got before Eldrad Ulthran. This was not a court of a king or emperor, but a Seer.
"Leave us," Eldrad spoke once to the warlock, who quietly obeyed. He closed the doors to the chamber behind him, leaving two of the most powerful psykers in the galaxy to wait in silence. Eldrad was almost finished with his divinations when Magnus started to speak.
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me." The Crimson King sounded impatient. He had been waiting for several hours now, almost half a "day" inside the Black Library. "I was hoping for some-"
"Advice?" Eldrad finished the sentence even though he didn't need to be a Seer to know what Magnus the Red wanted from the Great Seer.
"Yes." He answered softly, and Eldrad could almost hear the uncertainty in his voice, "I've unfortunately run out of people to turn to for such things. My father offered some, but a father has biases towards his child. Instead, I will see if the greatest of the Eldar people can offer me some."
The Great Seer said nothing as he finally finished his divinations. He mentally cataloged what he saw in his mind and prepared future orders for his acolytes to relay to field commanders. Eldrad finally turned to look at Magnus; it was time to be the lesson.
And it started with only one sentence.
"I have no words of wisdom for you."
Magnus was taken aback and almost laughed, "You haven't even heard my explanation as to why I sought you out!"
"You confronted your brother, the Daemonsbane, over being denied into a great undertaking. You accused him, your emperor, and those closest to you of faithlessness in your abilities. You harbor feelings of resentment, shame, regret, confusion, and uncertainty." Eldrad stared at Magnus with disapproval but also understanding. "Your soul aches, but you refuse to see why."
Nothing was said, but Eldrad
felt the waves of negative emotions rolling off the psyker. He was sure that his guards would've entered the room if he had not sent a subtle "all is well" message via a psychic burst to them.
The Primarch was angry, shocked, and visibly upset, but Magnus calms himself down. Eldrad was certain that if he had not talked to Morianne beforehand, this would've been a lot worse. The Primarch needed to remain calm, less his detractors heard about it and assumed unstable.
It was another layer of the test for Magnus, his ability to remain calm and collected in the face of acquisitions and criticisms.
He was clenching his fists as he spoke through gritted teeth, "My family...my brothers do not trust me. They call me irresponsible, even dangerous. All I asked for was answers and a modicum of confidence in my abilities. They don't...they don't think me capable of helping them without being a risk."
Eldrad shook his head, "The wrong man in the wrong place will never make things right. You should know better."
"How I am the wrong man for this?! They are preparing to strike at the Great Enemy; we both know what powers they can call upon!" He approached the Great Seer, towering over him. "Eldrad, I know things that can help us all!"
"And there will be a time and place for you, but you cannot continue to act as if every time you are barred or discouraged is an act designed squarely against you." Eldrad put a bit of steel into his voice now. "There is no wisdom to be found in alienating yourself from your allies over such petty things."
"Petty?!" The Primarch roared at the Eldar, "My brothers look at me as if I am a monster, my sons run the risk of dying to the Flesh Change, and we stand at the brink of a war against foes only a few understand! Whenever I attempt to learn and understand them, I am discredited and reprimanded, yet when Kesar, Khan, and Perturabo attempt to learn more about this enemy, the Emperor and Sigillite give them praises!"
Eldrad scoffed at the Primarch, "Is that what this is all about? The lack of praise and understanding from those around you. If you came to me for such things, to hear empty platitudes and sympathy, I underestimated your maturity."
The next part of the lesson began as Eldrad instantly created a psychic shield around his mind and soul as he was bombarded by the Crimson Kings considerable warp energies. Such power and ferocity rolled off him like water in a raging river. Magnus the Red was furious, but Eldrad knew enough that it wasn't directed towards him.
"How dare you!" Magnus yelled at Eldrad, "You think I do all this for attention and praise?! I am not some simpering lapdog like Leman or an egotistical narcissist like Fulgrim or Horus! I could do more for humanity if I were given a chance, the opportunity to learn about the Warp! I can teach my brothers, all of us, that we do not need to fear the unknown! That with logic and understanding and
trust, we can elevate ourselves out of this nightmare, but no one wants to listen, no one is willing to try because they see only the negatives! They are all cowards, intentionally cloaking themselves in cloaks of ignorance because they refuse to stay in the cold realities when given enough time, the sun will rise upon us all!"
Eldrad shook his head at hearing the tirade from Magnus. The Primarch had his heart in the right place, but he still refuses to accept that the harsh lessons of the warp did not temper his vision of knowledge and understanding, and trust. Even after all he suffered, Magnus maintained that all could be enlightened, even if it came at certain costs.
He waited for Magnus to calm down before speaking, "Your idealism is admirable, but also dangerous." Eldrad remarked quietly, "But sometimes you have to accept that some people aren't prepared or capable of understanding. That trusting them to make the right decision might not be possible. Sometimes...ignorance is the better option until they are ready."
Magnus was stunned to hear that from Eldrad, "How...can you believe that? You of all people know that we can't hide from what awaits us!"
"I am more than aware, Crimson King." Eldrad grimaced as he prepared to make a point. "But when we care about someone deeply, even those we just met or have known for centuries, our biases interfere. When burdened with knowledge and forced to make a decision, we will always hesitate for fear of ruining a strand of love and companionship. It's difficult, even impossible, when you are forced to contend with the idea of ending such a treasure, especially in such dark times."
"Not every truth can ruin someone." Magnus huffed slightly, "I believe that people can understand, that if you explain things and show them not to fear the unknown, to embrace it, we can stop the ruination that such things can bring upon ourselves and others."
It was time now. "Then let me put that to the test."
Magnus looked startled, "What? What do you mean?"
"I am going to give you what you want: trust. I am placing my trust in you with a secret, a prophecy related to my people. This knowledge is in the hands of four people, including me. You will be the fifth if you choose to accept it."
Now the Primarch was stunned, "You...you are serious? Yes, I will gladly take upon this honor!" Eldrad grimaced at Magnus and his obsession with forbidden or hidden knowledge. It was too dangerous, and he hoped this lesson would help guide him further down the path of temperance and caution when faced with such traps.
"You are too quick to accept. Your eagerness to learn is both a virtue and a curse; never forget that." Eldrad lied; he did give Magnus one piece of advice. The Great Seer would just chalk it up to part of the lesson. "In any case, what I am about to tell you is the full prophecy, one related to a certain girl you met already."
"Morianne?" The Crimson King looked confused, "I figured she was part of something. She's an anomaly if I've ever seen one. She is part of this prophecy then?"
"Correct." Eldrad summoned forth his powers and began to weave the tale. "When I am finished, you will learn of a great secret and will need to live with it. Unlike your Emperor, I will not censor you. You will be free to do with it as you wish. I will give you what was denied your brother, the freedom to choose, the freedom to trust in others with knowledge."
The Great Seer stared at Magnus, "And when you are burdened with it, I can only hope you understand."
---
Eldrad did not just explain Midnight Heaven. He showed Magnus all possible avenues and paths of its conclusion. It took the better part of six hours to explain and provide context. Eldrad told the Primarch what was expected of the Eldar, humanity, and, more importantly, Morianne.
The Master of Prospero was
horrified at what he saw in the visions. Not just of the threats or the destructions or deaths...but the fate of Morianne. Eldrad did not spare him from the worse parts. If anything, he took exceptional lengths to show Magnus those particular visions.
However, when he explained the penultimate fate, the successful end of Midnight Heaven, Magnus had enough.
"Unbelievable!" The disgust on his face was palpable, "You would allow for one of your people to go through such things?"
Eldrad took the remark in stride, "I've sent millions of them to die so that billions may live."
"There is a difference between sending someone to die in a war and prolonging...whatever I just saw." He shook his head and closed his eyes, "By the Stars, what a cruel joke to play upon someone undeserving." Magnus looked at Eldrad, the revulsion in his eyes evident, "And yet you seek to keep this from her?"
"Yes. Morianne isn't ready; mayhaps, she will never be ready. But she will do her duty, just like you and I will when the time comes."
"This is just
callous, Eldrad. Even the moments of happiness showed me only loss and loneliness, directly linked with Lion? And why him?! Do you know what he is like?"
Eldrad knew what all the Primarchs were like, all their dreams, fears, and vices. Lion El'Johnson was not a cruel Primarch, but he was unflinching and distant. A general and lord, but not a man who would enjoy the presence of Morianne, let alone
love. Eldrad, however, could only hope that things could change, that something akin to romantic attachments, if not at least a good working relationship, could blossom given enough time.
For both their sakes, the Black Angel and the Dark Lion had to join forces in more ways than one.
"Yes. I am aware." Eldrad said nothing more on that particular subject, but Magnus wasn't finished. Not that he could just drop the subject now.
The psykers mind was aghast and upset over what he had just seen. Not only for the implications of what this prophecy met in the grand scheme of things but to hear it happen to a young woman he had only met...it might have been touching in another time. It showed that the Crimson King, a Primarch of the Imperium, could empathize with another's plight, even if it was an alien.
Then again, human males always found themselves gravitating towards acts of heroism and valor whenever the plight of a female was in question. That was just Eldrads opinion on that particular matter.
"You are sending one of your own to become...a
gift. A tool for his own ambitions
."
Eldrad almost laughed,
almost. "This from a man that gleamed into the warp for hidden knowledge? Perhaps she will be nothing more than a tool, but what difference does it make, hmm? If it means the galaxy's betterment, what is another wasted life among the hundreds of trillions? What's another flicker of light being expended if it means the flames of hope are kept burning?"
Magnus looked unwillingly to believe such words, "I refuse to believe that you are so cruel, so quick discard someone like her...all for a prophecy! You can't tell me you put stock in this in for a brief moment of hope!"
Eldrad sneered and then finally laughed, "Your race has done exactly that for thousands of years! Man's unfailing capacity to believe what he prefers to be true rather than what the evidence shows to be likely and possible has always astounded me. We long for a caring galaxy that will save us, and in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary, we pin all our hopes on the slimmest of doubts."
He looked at Magnus with eyes clouded by thousands of years of exhaustion from regret, doubts, and sacrifice, "I will do
anything to save my people, short of damnation in any capacity or form. If I have to send someone like Morianne off, watch this galaxy tear her soul apart, and end with her becoming some Mon'Keighs
toy, then so be it. Because there are worse fates, Magnus. So. Much. Worse..."
"You can't mean this..."
"You've seen what happens if this fails. How many worlds will burn, how many trillions of your people will die? And what about the lost knowledge? How much is
one life worth compared to all of that? Your Imperium has sacrificed just as much to get one STC! Let alone the chance to get a complete Constructor because it stands to reason that it will benefit more in the end. And if you think that way, fine, I
completely understand. In time, Morianne will understand as well."
Gods, Eldrad felt old now. Hearing him say such things reminded him just how much was riding on his actions. Things would only get harder soon. More killing, more death, and he would be the one helping to orchestrate it.
Magnus had enough, though. "You can't seriously be considering any of this...she might as well be a child in your civilization's eyes."
"She
is a child, but one who serves a purpose and that we cannot ignore. This is her fate, which she will learn fully in due time."
"You've told her nothing about this?! She has to know, Eldrad!"
All the man did was a gesture towards the doors, "You are free to tell her the whole truth. I will not stop you. If you truly trust her, that with enough context and understanding, she can handle this, then I wish you the best."
The Primarch sneered at the Great Seer, "DO NOT attempt to make this about what I've done or said! You think to use this information to prove a point or teach me some lesson?! Was this all a setup by you?!"
"The Crimson King was never supposed to meet the Black Angel." Eldrad retorted with heat in his voice, "The fates did this, not me. I'm only giving you a choice that just so happens to prove a point. You can either tell her the truth and
hope that it doesn't break her, or withhold this information until she is better prepared to handle it."
Magnus paused and stared before he realized the parable of this situation and started to laugh bitterly, "Oh, I see now! I'm Kesar, and Morianne is me! And you must be the Emperor telling me not to tell 'me' because I'm not ready, I'm not to be trusted, and I am unprepared! You certainly fit the role, Eldrad, both of you have such bloody
arrogance and an antiquated notion of wisdom!"
"Unlike your Emperor, I am giving you the freedom to choose what to say. I won't stop you but know this; you are like Morianne in that you weren't prepared for what was to come."
"I
was prepared, and this is not the same situation." He glowered at Eldrad, "I've known from the start what threats lie inside the warp; I know what to expect."
"Do you? Do you really?" Eldrad closed his eyes and shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I've given you ample enough warning now. Heed it, or don't."
"I will tell her." Magnus threatened, "She deserves to know."
"Then go!" The door to his chambers opened via his psychic commands, "Go! Tell her everything, and I hope that she will understand, for both our sakes." He turned from the Crimson King and sat down, preparing to mediate again.
Rather than leave, Magnus spoke up, "I'm serious. You can't tell me you won't stop me from leaking important strategic information to her?"
"I trust you, Magnus, to make whatever decision. Whether it is the right or wrong one will be up to you to decide.."
Those words seemed to stun the Primarch. Eldrad was putting an insurmountable amount of faith into the human psyker in regards to whatever he did. Perhaps this was all still part of the lesson, but even Eldrad wasn't so sure anymore. He had lost himself in the argument for a moment, forgetting that everything he did was for the betterment of all. But to hear Magnus accuse him of cruelty and callousness...it stung because it was true.
Morianne would suffer, and her reward was only the chance of love with a
warlord of the Imperium.
"Fine." Magnus spoke up quietly, "I'll go...and I'll consider your words, both in regards to my situation and this one."
Eldrad said nothing. The lesson was over. There were no more words to be said. It was time to get back to work. There were plots to create, enemies to undermine, and fates to weave.
He can only hope now that he made the right decision. No amount of divination would show him if he were right or wrong. It was now in the hands of Magnus and Morianne. He was powerless in this situation, and such irony was not lost on him.
---
Magnus had seen a lot of terrible things in his time. Something about what he saw, though, rattled him far more than he had expected. It was not the brutality nor the destruction that disturbed, but its sole focus came back to
one person. That everything that could or would happen depending on the actions of a woman that Magnus had met only hours ago.
'A single death is a tragedy, but a million deaths is but a statistic.' Horus claimed to have heard the Emperor mutter that once, regarding the death of their brother Lorgar. Even with his distant nature, the Emperor still had
some affection for his dead 'child,' and Magnus could understand why.
Lorgar had the spirit that Magnus and his brother lacked, and he somehow had the ability to get all of the brothers actually to tolerate each other for more than a moment. He had been one of the few who enjoyed hearing Magnus talk about his books and discoveries, even adding to the discussion. Lorgar cared about his family once.
And Magnus watched as the man he truly loved a brother and turned into something profane, wretched, monstrous, and
pathetic. To hear it from Konrad, their brother died,
begging for forgiveness. And Magnus found himself unable to find any upon asking himself if he would've given his brother a chance.
His brother died alone. No one could save him then. Perhaps no one could've saved even before that point.
Now though? Magnus had the chance to do some good for someone else. To hell with Eldrad and his warnings. Magnus would not another pure soul fall into the darkness of apathy and despair. His own soul would not allow him.
Wasting no time, Magnus allowed for his psychic awareness to stretch over the Black Library, searching for Morianne. He felt the curious glance of the Laughing God, who promptly started laughing in his mind, mocking the Crimson King as the Eldar God realized what Magnus was about to do.
Upon scanning and finding Morianne, Magnus summoned the Black Library's causeways and
teleported towards her general position within a second. He arrived in another section of the library, this one looking to be a lot more active as several Eldar scholars acted as if a daemon just appeared near them. He ignored their shocks of surprise and fear, even after they started to back or run away. He would likely get a dressing down by some of the Harlequins later, but he didn't care.
Magnus felt this drive; he didn't know whether it was to prove a point, gain absolution, or do the right thing. Perhaps he'd never truly know. Whatever the reason, the Crimson King would not be stopped.
And no one did try to stop him. He walked for only a few minutes until he heard the familiar voice.
"Look for the Ali letters, but ignore the Qun ones. Huh, he was right; that does help quite a bit." She was muttering aloud the instructions that he gave her for moving about the Black Library. Magnus almost felt a moment of pride that Morianne took it to heart.
As soon as he came into view, Morianne senses his presence and perks up, "Magnus?" She turned and did indeed see the Primarch. "Oh, you're back!" She was smiling at him and even sounded a bit overjoyed at his sudden arrival. He was about to answer her when he remembered one of the visions.
"Useless woman." The voice of Lion El'Johnson remarked softly to the kneeling Morianne. Her head bowed as she refused to look at the Lord of Caliban. "You ask me for my help, and yet that is all I've given you, but what has my legion received in return? Dead sons and wasted time. This alliance, our so-called marriage, will never amount to anything. I hold myself jointly responsible, but I will hold you accountable as well."
"Magnus?" Morianne now had a look of concern, "You...are you okay? Your soul just went a burning red for a second. I didn't even need to use my second sight." The so-called Black Angel looked uncertain as she spoke up next, "Did your meeting with Lord Ulthran not going as planned?"
The Crimson King stood there and tried to think up what to say. He came to her for a reason, to tell her the truth of the Midnight Heaven prophecy and what was expected of her. "I just...well, I needed to..."
"Yes...?" She smiled and tilted her head the same way Bastet would when she was confused. 'Damn it all. just say something!' His mind screamed at him. He was going to do it. It didn't matter how long it would take him, but Magnus would not let Morianne remain ignorant of the trials that awaited her.
"There are reasons why Father forbids it, some I agree with, some I don't. The one I do agree with him on is that it is dangerous, even for us." Softening his voice, Kesar tried to convey how serious he was. "Especially for us, Magnus."
"I didn't want to hurt you."
Magnus now did stand in Kesar's place at their last meeting, and as Magnus stared down at Morianne, he realized that he didn't want to hurt his friend. That perhaps no matter how he explained it, all he would do was plant the seeds of doubt and despair in a young soul. Yes, she would be strengthened and prepared, but at what cost? Was that knowledge worth sharing at the cost of snuffing out the spark of hope and curiosity in front of him?
"Magnus, helllllooo!" She was waving her arms at him and chuckling, "You are really absentminded right now."
Then, he made his choice. "I was...just wondering if you'd like to keep in touch."
"Keep in touch? Is that a human turn of phrase?"
He blinked before realizing his choice of words, "I mean, did you want to maintain a correspondence? I can't be in the Black Library constantly, but I do believe I could see about us getting letters sent back-"
"I would love to!" Morianne sounded far more excited and overjoyed at Magnus's suggestion. She must have realized that and cleared her throat, "What I mean to say is that I would enjoy that, yes."
He couldn't help it, but he smirked, "Right, I'm sure that cheer was just a mild response for an Eldar."
"Don't mock me." She huffed and looked away before quietly speaking, "Magnus, thank you. This...I really appreciate it, more than you realize."
"Morianne," Magnus felt like he had to say something, "The meeting with Eldrad. He told me somethings about Midnight Heaven and you...I need to explain it so that you have a chance to understand before it's too late."
She held up her right hand, "Please...just-I don't want to know." The look of apprehension in her eyes was evident, "I don't think I'm ready to hear it."
"But if you give me a chance, I can explain it if you want."
"And I believe you, but Magnus, I'm scared to learn." She turned away from him, embarrassed, "I know you don't like people being willfully ignorant, especially coming from an Eldar...but please, let me have these moments of peace. Soon they will be the only memories I have of them."
"But you can't...I can
help you." Nothing was stopping him from telling her what he had seen, warn her of what was to come. But like Kesar must have felt, knowing that the person he was trying convince wasn't ready or prepared, Magnus likewise didn't think Morianne was ready for the truth. No amount of explaining, convincing, or context would help her. Only time and experience, with all the scars that came with it, would help her.
Her hands reached forward and grabbed his large right hand, "That you being here, talking to me, has already helped me. More than you can imagine. I know you want to do the right thing, but...trust me, alright?"
'Is this really the individual that deserves all the things I saw?' Magnus had seen so much evil in the galaxy. Here he was now, with someone that believed in the good of others, literally holding his hand, and knowing that it would be taken away in the end. Why did she deserve this when all that evil would continue to exist?
For a moment, his argument with Kesar seemed so
petty compared to this. This wasn't the same thing, not even close to being on the same level, but Magnus didn't really care then and there. Both moments weren't about being willfully ignorant, lacking trust, or failing to understand something.
Magnus didn't want to feel alone anymore. Perhaps he was still alone now, but right now, he was here for Morianne's sake.
And that somehow made the pain he felt in his soul not ache as much.
"Alright." Magnus finally spoke again, "I won't say anything or indicate otherwise. If you want to learn and understand on your own terms, I can't exactly stop you. Besides, I'd be a hypocrite otherwise."
"Well, thank you for your confidence in me."
"However," Magnus remarked flatly, "With that in mind, I feel an obligation also to help you. So, while I can't say anything about this prophecy connected to you...I can help offer advice and help in other aspects."
Morianne raised a thin eyebrow at him, "Was that an offer of tutelage, Magnus the Red?"
"Hardly, I don't have the time to take on a student...but I can find time to help a friend." He pulled his hand away from her, "Barring Eldrad, kicking me out of this little alliance, I can still offer some guidance in the ways of the warp."
"Magnus, that is generous of you. But you just writing and talking to me is more than enough."
"Nonsense!" Magnus smiled at Morianne, "You are talking to one of the greatest teachers and psykers in the galaxy! I dare say I can be of much better assistance to you than Eldrad or Landesh. Given enough time, I dare say I can help you become of the greatest Seers your race has ever produced."
"...your confidence in me is certainly heartwarming, but perhaps a tad misplaced." She smiled all the same, "Still...I can use all the help I can get, and especially from an eager teacher such as yourself."
"Wise choice." The Primarch smirked in victory.
The Black Angel sniffed in feigned, elegant disdain, "We'll see." Magnus lost his smirk and glared at Morianne as she laughed. Magnus smiled back at the display, as it allowed for the dark visions of what might come to fade away.
However, Morianne paused and then realized something, "Magnus, where is Bastet?"
He blinked as he realized that he left the psycat alone and without feeding her for the past few hours, "Er, oh dear." The Primarch had a new worry now...a very angry and hungry Bastet waiting for him.
Morianne offered to help placate the creature, and Magnus found himself accepting the help. It was another well-needed distraction, and Magnus felt that both he and the Black Angel needed a friend more than anything now.
---
"Your gambit worked."
Eldrad did not look back towards his compatriot. Landesh appeared only a moment ago, and his words removed a weight upon his shoulders. Magnus had done the right thing. He passed the
last test. There would be no more detractors among the other Seers now. If he put his faith and trust in the psyker with one of their biggest secrets, and he kept it safe. Morianne was unaware, willfully yes, but the dangers of her interactions with the Crimson King had been replaced with only boons now.
Visions of future alliances, of training and teachings, of the Black Angel soaring upon
crimson-colored wings ensured a better outcome for all now.
Still, Eldrad was concerned, "It was unnecessary." He kept looking towards the future, "He should have never met with her. Complications will arise."
"Between him and his brother. The Crimson King will not take too kindly to the Lion's treatment of Morianne."
"No," Eldrad muttered darkly, "No, he won't." A friendship born of mutual loneliness, shattered by the demands of fate and another. How foolish of the Great Seer to assume that he could still control such outcomes. Love and scorn, truth and lies, duty, and freedom. Such words rolled around in the visions. Would Magnus start a feud with a brother over that of a friendship with an alien? Perhaps not now...but given enough time and battles won and lost, of shared stories and tears, a man will do whatever he feels necessary to protect a woman he "loved."
Had they only ensured more sorrow for Morianne in the long run? Eldrad couldn't bring himself to focus on these possibilities. Still too much at stake, and Morianne was only one soul among one prophecy in a great game whose terrible trials and horrors would only grow to encompass the galaxy.
Eldrad put his trust in Magnus the Red, and the Primarch kept it...not knowing that he was being used as another pawn in the wars to come and whose path now tied him to the cruelties forced upon another. But much was given to him, and much was expected as well.
Magnus the Red had gained a friend in Morianne, and now a mentor in Eldrad, but the cost would only be known in the coming decades.
Such was the price one paid for the truth. The introspective, the knowledge, and the realities would offer no comfort or hope...but at least it would give way to purpose and perhaps something more.
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@Daemon Hunter There you go.
